Top 11 Medical Secretary Certifications

Certifications for a medical secretary are important because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill, and experience that employers value. Certification demonstrates to employers that the applicant has met certain requirements and is qualified to perform the duties of the job. Certifications also show employers that the applicant is committed to their career and willing to go above and beyond what is expected in order to stay current with industry standards. This commitment can be a deciding factor when an employer is making hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can provide medical secretaries with access to higher-level positions, as well as more competitive salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Medical Secretarys and explain how they can help advance a medical secretary's career.

What are Medical Secretary Certifications?

Medical secretary certification is a type of credentialing program offered by professional organizations and educational institutions that verifies an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of medical secretarial work. Through this certification, individuals demonstrate their competency to potential employers, as well as their commitment to excellence in the field.

The certification process typically involves passing an exam that covers topics related to medical terminology, medical law and ethics, patient communication and confidentiality, medical office management, medical billing and coding, and other areas of expertise. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates are awarded a certificate or diploma which validates their qualifications for employment in the field.

Having a medical secretary certification can be beneficial for those looking for employment opportunities in this field. It demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the profession and provides employers with assurance that they are hiring a qualified individual who is knowledgeable about all aspects of the job. Additionally, having this certification may qualify individuals for higher positions or higher pay rates than those without any formal training or certifications.

Pro Tip: Before starting the process of getting certified as a medical secretary, be sure to research the different certifications available and find one that is relevant to your specific area of expertise. Make sure you understand the requirements for each certification and look into any additional courses or training you may need to complete in order to qualify.

Related: What does a Medical Secretary do?

Top 11 Medical Secretary Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Secretarys today.

1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a certification for medical administrative assistants that demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in the field. It is designed to validate the skills and abilities of medical administrative assistants who work in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

The CMAA certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, insurance billing and coding, and computer applications. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CMAA certification exam, applicants must have at least one year of work experience in a medical office setting or have successfully completed an approved training program from an accredited institution. Applicants must also submit proof of their current CPR certification.

The cost of the CMAA certification exam varies depending on where it is taken. In most cases, it will cost between $130-$200 to take the exam.

2. Certified Medical Secretary (CMS)

Certified Medical Secretary (CMS) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in medical office administration. This certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To become certified, an individual must demonstrate knowledge and skills related to medical terminology, coding, insurance processing, billing, scheduling, patient record management and other administrative tasks.

The certification process typically takes about three months to complete. First, you must take and pass the Certified Medical Secretary (CMS) exam. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, coding, insurance processing and billing. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CMS certification.

In order to take the CMS exam, you must first register with NHA and pay an application fee of $110. You will also need to purchase study materials from NHA or other sources in order to prepare for the exam. The cost of these materials varies depending on where they are purchased from.

Once you have completed the certification process and received your CMS certificate, you can use it to demonstrate your expertise in medical office administration to potential employers or clients. You may also be eligible for higher salaries or promotions due to your certification status.

3. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately code medical services and procedures for reimbursement, compliance, and research.

The CPC certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, and healthcare compliance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions with a four-hour time limit.

To become certified as a CPC, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete an accredited coding program or have two years of professional experience in coding
• Pass the CPC Exam with a score of 70% or higher
• Agree to abide by the AAPC’s Code of Ethics
• Pay an application fee and annual membership dues

The cost for taking the CPC Exam is $399 for members of the AAPC and $499 for non-members. The cost of becoming a member varies depending on your profession; however, it typically ranges from $50 to $150 per year. Additionally, you may need to purchase study materials such as textbooks or online courses which can range in price from $50 to several hundred dollars.

4. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a healthcare professional who has been trained and certified to provide basic clinical services in a medical office setting. CCMAs are responsible for performing routine patient care tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, giving injections, and assisting with minor surgical procedures. They also help physicians with administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.

The certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete depending on the program chosen. To become certified, students must complete an accredited training program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a medical office setting. After completing the program, students must pass an exam administered by either the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the program chosen but can range from $500-$2,000. This cost includes tuition fees as well as any additional materials needed to complete the coursework. Additionally, some programs may require students to purchase textbooks or other materials separately.

5. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has earned certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). The CEHRS certification demonstrates a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the use of electronic health records systems. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals who are responsible for implementing, managing, and maintaining electronic health records systems.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CEHRS certification. To become certified, individuals must first pass an exam administered by NHA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal issues related to healthcare information technology, and coding principles. After passing the exam, applicants must also complete an approved education program or demonstrate two years of experience working with electronic health records systems.

The cost of the CEHRS certification varies depending on whether you take the exam or enroll in an approved education program. The exam fee is $195 while education programs can range from $500-$2,000 depending on length and content.

Overall, obtaining a CEHRS certification is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in electronic health record systems and set yourself apart from other healthcare professionals.

6. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage medical office operations. CMOM certification is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The CMOM program consists of two parts: an online self-assessment and an in-person or online proctored exam. The self-assessment helps applicants assess their knowledge of medical office management and identify areas where additional study may be needed. The proctored exam tests applicants’ knowledge of medical office management topics such as patient scheduling, billing, coding, compliance, human resources, and more.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CMOM program depending on individual study habits. To get certified, applicants must first register for the program through the NHA website. After registration is complete, applicants can purchase a study guide from the NHA website which includes a practice exam and other helpful resources. Once they have completed their studies and feel ready to take the exam, they can schedule a time to take it at an approved testing center or online with a proctor.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you choose to take the in-person or online proctored exam. The cost for taking the in-person exam is $250 plus any applicable taxes or fees while taking it online costs $200 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

7. Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in medical auditing. The CPMA credential is an indication that the individual has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles, techniques, and regulations associated with medical auditing.

The CPMA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within three hours. To obtain the CPMA credential, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $399 USD for AAPC members and $499 USD for non-members.

In order to qualify to take the CPMA exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. These include holding either a current CPC or COC certification from AAPC, having two years of professional experience as a medical coder or auditor, or completing an approved training program in medical auditing.

Once applicants have met these requirements, they can register for the exam online through AAPC’s website. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CPMA certificate and wallet card from AAPC.

8. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certification and education to medical coders. AAPC certification is designed to demonstrate a coder’s knowledge and proficiency in coding, which is essential for accurate billing and reimbursement.

To become certified through the AAPC, you must pass an exam that tests your knowledge of medical coding principles and practices. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pathology, pharmacology, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

In order to sit for the exam, you must be an AAPC member and have completed a minimum of one year of experience working with medical codes or have completed an approved training program. You can become a member by paying an annual fee of $129. Once you are a member, you can register for the exam online or by mail. The cost of the exam is $399 for members and $499 for non-members.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official AAPC Certification in the mail within 6-8 weeks. This certification is valid for two years before it needs to be renewed.

9. National Healthcareer Association Certification (NHA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to individuals in the healthcare industry. The NHA offers a variety of certifications, including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).

In order to obtain an NHA certification, an individual must first complete an accredited training program. Depending on the specific certification, these programs can range from six months to two years in length. After completing the program, the individual must then pass a certification exam.

The cost of obtaining an NHA certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, exams cost between $125 and $200 each. Additionally, some programs may require additional fees for textbooks or other materials.

Once an individual has passed their exam and obtained their certification, they will be eligible to apply for jobs in their field with higher pay and greater responsibility. Additionally, having an NHA certification can help open doors to new opportunities within the healthcare field.

10. National Association of Healthcare Access Management Certification (NAHAM)

The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is a professional organization that provides certification to healthcare access professionals. NAHAM Certification is the industry standard for healthcare access professionals, and it is recognized by employers as an indication of competency in the field.

To become certified, candidates must complete an approved program or have at least two years of experience in the healthcare access management field. The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient scheduling, registration, customer service, insurance verification, and medical records management. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of current trends and regulations in the healthcare industry.

The certification process typically takes three to six months to complete. Candidates must first submit an application and pay a fee before taking the exam. After passing the exam, candidates are required to renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.

The cost for NAHAM Certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NAHAM. For members, the cost is $395 for the initial application fee and $195 for each subsequent renewal fee; for non-members, the cost is $495 for the initial application fee and $295 for each subsequent renewal fee.

11. American Health Information Management Association Certification (AHIMA).

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is an international professional association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA provides certifications that demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and expertise in the field of HIM. AHIMA offers several different types of certifications, including Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA).

To become certified by AHIMA, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to become certified.

To get certified by AHIMA, you must first complete the required coursework or training for the certification you are seeking. You will then need to register for the exam and pay the associated fees. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from AHIMA.

The cost of getting certified by AHIMA depends on the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally, it costs between $200 and $400 for each exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there may be additional fees for membership with AHIMA if you choose to join their organization as well as any other associated costs such as textbooks or study materials.

Do You Really Need a Medical Secretary Certificate?

Deciding whether or not you need a medical secretary certificate depends on your individual career goals and the requirements of the job for which you are applying. If you are looking to work as a medical secretary, it could be beneficial to have a certificate that proves you have the necessary qualifications and training for the position.

Having a medical secretary certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have received proper training in the field, including knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems, and other administrative duties. It also shows that you understand how to use specialized software programs and other technology related to the job. Additionally, having a medical secretary certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when it comes to salary negotiations or promotions.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to gain experience in a medical setting without pursuing a specific career path, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a medical secretary certificate. Depending on your current level of education and experience, there are likely entry-level positions available in health care settings where formal certification is not required. In this case, gaining hands-on experience may be more beneficial than obtaining an official certification.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a medical secretary certificate depends largely on your individual career goals and the requirements of any particular job for which you are applying. If becoming a certified professional is important to you, then taking the time to earn such credentials can provide valuable benefits both now and in the future.

Related: Medical Secretary Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Secretary Certifications

1. What is a medical secretary certification?

Answer: A medical secretary certification is a type of professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of medical office administration. It typically includes topics such as patient privacy, medical terminology, coding systems, insurance claims processing, and other administrative duties.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a medical secretary certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining a medical secretary certification vary by organization, but generally include passing an exam or completing a course of study. Some organizations may also require that applicants have prior experience in the field or hold certain educational credentials.

3. How long does it take to complete a medical secretary certification program?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete a medical secretary certification program depends on the specific program and any additional requirements for completion. Generally, programs can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete depending on the institution offering the program and level of difficulty of the material covered.

4. What are some potential career paths after completing a medical secretary certification?

Answer: Potential career paths after completing a medical secretary certification include positions such as administrative assistant, receptionist, patient coordinator, billing specialist, health information technician, or office manager in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, physician offices, clinics and long-term care facilities.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my medical secretary certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations that offer certifications will require that you complete continuing education courses or attend seminars in order to maintain your certification status.